How do I care for a scared (and possibly hurt) baby bird?

Question

Just 20 minutes ago, there was this big commotion downstairs, and the next thing I know, my cat is depositing a baby bird at my feet. At first I thought it was dead, until I saw it start to twitch. My next reaction was of horror-I thought it was on the verge of death and that we might have to put it out of its misery. Then it began to flutter and show more signs of life, and so I gently, but quickly scooped it up.

After hearing the story of what happened downstairs- my stepdad had come into the kitchen to find the bird(who had come in because the screen door had been left open)eating breakfast leftovers from the pan. He had tried to scare it away and it had struggled to fly out, but failed, fell onto the floor, and was then promptly carried away by my cat, who then brought it up to my room and here we are. My sister and I put the poor thing into a shoebox with a shirt and covered it, leaving it open enough for air. What do we do? Drop off at vet? Or try to care for it ourselves? Help!

Answer 1

Birdgirl always offers good advice - medical attention is very important in this case. In the meanwhile, check out these links. They'll help until you can get the bird professional help and it'll give you some good references if you find another bird in the future. Even if this bird isn't a dove or pigeon, many of the same basic things apply to any bird you find:

http://www.pigeons.biz/forums/f20/basic-...

http://www.pigeons.biz/forums/f20/found-...

I wish you and the bird good luck

Becky

Answer 2

Take it to Project Wildlife Not all babies are raised in a nest.  Many species raise their young on the ground.  Don’t be a bird-napper! Young animals are often picked up by someone who mistakenly thinks they are orphaned, injured, or abandoned, when they are simply exploring, having left the nest on schedule and are still being cared for by their parents. Though to an untrained observer they may look too young to be on their own, usually the best thing you can do is to leave them alone!

Determine if there is a wildlife emergency. From a safe distance, quietly observe if the animal is injured. Is it unable to walk, fly, climb? Is it bleeding? If yes, call Project Wildlife at 619-225-9202.

Many times babies are left alone for long periods of time while the parents feed. The best way to determine if a baby really is orphaned is to observe for several hours. Wild parents can always raise their babies better than we can, but if the parent is dead or has not returned for several hours, contact Project Wildlife for guidance.

If baby birds fall out of a nest and if they are uninjured, they can be put back in the nest if it is safe to do so. The parents will not reject a baby bird just because someone has touched it. If the entire nest falls, it can be put back nearby so the parents can find it.

Answer 3

The bird is probably just in shock, take it outside and hold it in your hands, the heat will help bring it round, when it is standing its self, open your hands and it will fly off when its ready.

Answer 4

Sounds like you have a trooper their.  I'm not an expert on baby birds but I just had a row w/ my new duck being attacked by a cat.  My suggestion to you, if you're ready for the undertaking, is to raise it.  It seems to me if it's comfortable eating from your dishes, it can't be too shy.  If it seems hurt, leave it alone and immobilize it as much as possible.   They heal fast, at least my duck did.  It worked for me.  Good luck!

Answer 5

This bird needs immediate medical attention at a local wildlife rehab.  If it has ANY wounds from the cat, it needs to be put on antibiotic ASAP.  Cats carry a lot of bacteria in their saliva and infection will set in quickly, and the bird will most likely die.    Also, I would advise you keep your cat from getting to it anymore than it already has.  Why not keep your cat indoors where it will not be a threat to native wildlife.  Look for a rehab near you here:

http://www.tc.umn.edu/~devo0028/contactA...

Answer 6

Give him some bird food and drink,if you really want to care about him then take him to vet,or whatever!If you know what kinda bird he is,read some information about him and see what they like to do and stuff!